In an operation against illegal gambling, the Raigad Police, under the guidance of Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge, conducted a large-scale crackdown on matka gambling activities in Alibag, Pen, and Poynad. The operation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of gambling materials and cash.
Acting on an information about illegal matka betting, SP Gharge directed Police Inspector Balasaheb Khade of the Local Crime Branch (LCB) to take immediate action. On Friday, seven teams comprising three officers and eighteen personnel were dispatched to targeted locations in Alibag city, Pen, and Poynad.
During the raid, six locations in Alibag were found engaged in illegal gambling activities. Six cases were registered under Section 12(A) of the Maharashtra Gambling Act with Alibag police. Those arrested in the six cases have been identified as Ramesh Chandan Chavan (40), Ravindra Vishwanath Ingole (49), Mahesh Achyut Patil (38), Rupesh Bhimrao Mor (40), Gorakh Kadve (50), Krishnakant Dattatray Patil (49), Pandharinath Nagu Mhatre (65), Paresh Mhatre (39), Bhavesh Sanjay Mhatre (28), Sahil Ram Ashish Sahani (29), Supesh Sandesh Patil (23), Milind Mhatre (49), Sujit Santosh Mhatre (32) and Krishna Harishchandra Mhatre (40).
Similar operations in Poynad and Pen led to further arrests and seizures. Two cases were registered with Poynad police in which Rajesh Anant Kadam (54) and Prakash Raghunath Mokal (56) were arrested.
In the registered with Pen police, Vinod Madhukar Deshmukh (36) has been arrested.
"All the arrested accused are being thoroughly interrogated to find if more people are involved," inspector Khade said.
Police officials involved in the crackdown included Assistant Police Inspector Bhaskar Jadhav, Police Sub-Inspector Anil Gosavi, and several officers and constables from the Local Crime Branch.
